The US military launched airstrikes on Yemen’s Ras Isa oil terminal late Tuesday, killing at least 74 people and injuring 171 others. This is the deadliest attack since President Donald Trump’s administration began military operations against Houthi rebels on March 15.
The strikes targeted the oil terminal, a key Houthi stronghold. Matthew Levitt, a counterterrorism expert at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, believes this attack could weaken the Houthi’s ability to govern. Without access to supplies through these ports, their control will be harder to maintain, and some people may lose faith in them.
Timing of the Attack
The attack comes just before US-Iran nuclear talks are set to resume in Rome. The US links Iran’s nuclear program to Houthi activities in Yemen. Levitt thinks the US might be sending a message to Iran that their proxies are under threat.
The US military also reportedly struck other Houthi-controlled areas, including Bart Al-Anan, Kab, and Ash-Shaf in Al-Jawf province, and Saada province. These are key Houthi strongholds.
The situation in Yemen remains volatile, with ongoing conflict between Houthi rebels and other forces. The recent airstrikes have escalated tensions in the region.